How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob doesn't work, you can fix it with a few simple steps. The first step is to be sure that it's not your backup remote.

If your backup remote cannot unlock and lock the doors of your car remote key fob repair, it is most likely that the primary remote is not working. The majority of car remote key malfunctions are caused by battery or circuitry problems.

Battery

It is not unusual for the battery in the key fob for cars to degrade. It is relatively easy to change out a battery, although it is important to make sure that you choose the correct type and you can consult your owner's manual or contact the dealer of the manufacturer to find out what kind of battery you require. It is also a good idea to examine the battery compartment carefully because dead batteries can leak harmful chemicals that can harm the remote. If replacing the batteries doesn't solve the issue it could be because there are other issues that require attention by a professional. If the buttons are broken or stuck for instance it might be necessary to remove the remote and rebuild each component. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new fob.

Buttons

Key fobs can get dirty and worn-out from frequent use. It is not uncommon for buttons to stop working, or to require a long press to get them working. This can be extremely frustrating especially if you're away from home and you need to start your car. Even broken or damaged buttons are often fixable with a little time and materials you already have at home.

First, make sure that the batteries are properly inserted and that the indentation at the back of the button has been filled. Then, carefully remove the remote and examine the circuit board. Look for signs of rust or other indications that the buttons are worn or damaged. For instance the paint that conducts electricity could be missing. Use a Q-tip dipped into alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn-out or has conductive paint missing. Be careful not to rub too hard, because this could damage the conductive painting and prevent the button from firing when it is pressed.

Also, carefully check the battery connector terminals for any loose solder connections. Soldering them back to their original position will restore the button's functionality if this is the case. You can follow the same procedure to restore functionality to any other loose connection within the fob.

In the end, if any of the rubber buttons on the front of the key fob stop working or require a very long press to function it is likely that the graphite disks at the back of the button are wearing out and require replacement. You can usually do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This should bring the button back to life.

If none of these solutions work, or if you still are unable to get the button to respond when you press it hard, it is possible that the circuitry is failing. It is possible to fix this by cleaning and re-soldering the button but you should also have an extra in case it doesn't work.

Circuitry

Whether or not the key fob buttons function, the circuit board inside your remote may be dirty. The issue can be solved by a thorough inspection. The most common causes of dirty circuit boards are water and broken cases. A broken case can allow water and other debris to get into the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also eat away at pins and small connectors on the board, referred to as via's.

If you're skilled enough to open your key fob, and don't mind making an mess, you can take the buttons out of their sockets and solder in new ones. Also, it's worth checking the connections between the battery terminals. They can get very dirty and if they're loose, the buttons may not work or even stick in their down position. Soldering the terminals and button's back into place is typically all that's needed to return a non-working key fob to functioning condition.

Non-Remote transponder chips

The non-remote chips that are sealed are more durable than their remote fobs, however they are susceptible to breaking in the event of a hole being drilled in them, or in the event that a door handle of a car or lawnmowers plows over them. Fuse failures are usually the cause of non-remote chip failures.

If you are not comfortable opening the key fob, you may remove the circuitboard and utilize a multimeter to determine if the diode is working properly. If you're not confident doing this, head to your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they usually have a RF frequency tester that will determine whether the key fob is sending a signal.

Programming

Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and are susceptible to being damaged through a variety of causes. They can break their connection with the receiver inside your vehicle due to shocks or a low-battery, which requires reprogramming. A professional auto key fob repair car keys near me [www.mallangpeach.com] locksmith or main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it functioning again. If resetting or replacing your keyfob does not work it may be necessary to replace it.